How to repair a tongue and groove ceiling?

Question

I have a tongue and groove ceiling in my bathroom and due to previous flooding above me, one of the tongues has slipped out leaving a nice "split" in the ceiling.

Does anyone know of a way I can repair this as I can't really afford to have a builder come in and potentially have to replace the whole ceiling, even for the time it takes to get the money back off my insurance (they want the repair done first before reimbursing cost)?

In case it makes a difference, the boards appear to have been treated and painted with white water proof paint.

Tedruski · Accepted Answer

Since this is a painted ceiling you have an advantage.
Place a pc of 2"x6" about 2' long directly under this bowed and split board. Have a buddy then measure and cut a 2" x 4" so it is about 1" longer than the distance from under this 2" x 6" block to the floor.
Place a pc. of cardboard on the floor  and insert the upright 2" x 4" under the 2" x 6" block on the ceiling and on top of cardboard on the floor. 
Take a small 3-4 lb. sledge hammer and drive the 2" x 4" sideways until it is really tight. Let this sit for a couple of hours - then try driving it in further sideways. Take a small flat bar and try to coax the tongue of the board back into the adjoining groove as you do this. It may break off but that is ok.
What you are trying to do is to get as much of the board back up tight to the ceiling as possible. After you get the board back up remove the block and brace and take some small *trim head screws and drill small pilot hole and then insert screw back up into framing pc. above the board ceiling. Countersink these screws about 1/8" so you can fill with wood filler.
Fill any splits/cracks in the board with non shrink latex caulk or drywall spackle. Sand as needed or apply more until gaps/cracks are filled. Prime and Paint to match surrounding ceiling boards.

Anonymous · Answer

You need to pry up the board that it is supposed to join to. You need a Wonder bar for this. It is a short (12"+) , wide crow bar that every carpenter owns. It is great for pulling nails and also prying. You'll have no problem prying up the board. Then, you should be able to get the grooves to fit back together as you push both the boards back into place. Secure the boards with screws, and you won't have to worry about it working its way back out. You can buy a Wonder Bar at any hardware store or home center. Stanley Tools and other companies make them in all shapes and sizes. Just get a regular one.

paulofhouston · Answer

How badly split? If 1/4 inch or less just caulk (Dap) and repaint.If 1/2 inch or greater you should be able to pry or cut it out and replace it(after removing nails)

lucille · Answer

1

? · Answer

first find the joist . measure 600mm from the wall and the first joist should be there it depends on the age and the joiner who fitted them. when you find your first joist mark the ceiling you can use a brevil to find the joist through the plaster. measure 600 mill away from the joist and find the second joist. when you have that you will have the distance and direction. nail a frame of 1x1 baton to your ceiling and then fit your t&g in the desired direction. if your cuts against the wall are uneven then finish the edges with a beed or moulding

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How to repair a tongue and groove ceiling?

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